Sarasota Chamber celebrates awards and honors at annual meeting

By Ian Swaby
| 2:30 p.m. October 25, 2024

Kerkering Barberio Managing Shareholder Robert Lane, Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh and immediate past chair of Sarasota Chamber Teri Hansen

Sarasota
Business

A "Tribute to Excellence" was the theme of the annual meeting of the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.

It was fitting that the event, held at The Ritz-Carlton, Sarasota on Oct. 25, also celebrated excellence in individuals within the community.

Emily Walsh, president of Observer Media Group and the 2022-2023 chair of the chamber, was the recipient of the Chair's Cup Award.

The award recognizes an individual who has "dedicated an unmatched amount of their time and talent to support and advance the work of the Sarasota Chamber."

Additionally, it was noted that last week, Sarasota Chamber President Heather Kasten became the recipient of the statewide 2024 Florida Chamber Chair's Award.

"It truly has been a privilege to be part of one of the best chambers of the United States and the best one in Florida, and to work with Heather Kasten and her amazing team," Walsh said. "The chamber has been a huge part of my career, starting out covering the very first young professionals group event... to serving on the board and making lifelong friendships and professional friends throughout my time at the chamber."

Kasten offered a speech on the topic of excellence, stating that its presence is determined by how leaders respond in times of adversity, such as during the impacts of hurricanes Debby, Helene and Milton.

"To whom much is given, much is required, and as leaders, we must also remember that the community we serve in times of prosperity is watching us," she said. "How we lead in these moments reflects our businesses and on the broader ecosystem that we influence. Excellence, both in good times and bad, is about resilience."

The event's keynote speaker was Kevin Mazeika, a USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame member and the executive director of EVO Gymnastics in Sarasota.

The gymnastics academy helped send Brody Malone, Stephen Nedoroscik and traveling alternate Shane Wiskus to the 2024 Paris Olympics, where the U.S. men's gymnastics team claimed its first medal in 16 years, when they won the bronze.

Nedoroscik also won the bronze in individual pommel horse.

"It takes extraordinary effort to get those extraordinary results, and that's what it was based on," Mazeika said. "Let's do it better. Let's do more. Let's get to that last five and one percent of effort so we can get back to the podium."

Emily Walsh offers a speech as Robert Lane, managing shareholder of Kerkering Barberio, prepares to present the award.

USA Gymnastics Hall of Fame member Kevin Mazeika of EVO Gymnastics was the keynote speaker.

Blake Kilroy, 11 of EVO Gymnastics, makes a run down the red carpet of the hotel.

Observer Media Group President Emily Walsh greets Teri Hansen, immediate past chair of the chamber, as she is presented with the award.

Sarasota Chamber Chair Joe Hembree offers immediate past chair Teri Hansen something to commemorate her time in the role.

Sarasota Chamber Chair Joe Hembree offered a speech about assuming the role of chair. "It's an honor for me to accept this role as chair of the board," he said. "It's a privilege to build upon the 104 years of history of the leaders who have gone before in our community, and helped build this organization into what it is."

Jessica Jensen and Ashley Hout of HH Staffing Services carry Calla lilies the company provided to celebrate the theme of excellence.

Blake Kilroy, 11 and Luca Leykin, 9 of EVO Gymnastics offer a demonstration of their skills in the reception area.

Jeanine Johnson took to the photo booth to show her pride as a member of the chamber.

Matt Kern, Dominique Johnson and Sinead Carr, chair of Chamber Ambassadors for 2024-2025.

Janet Hazuda, Michelle Olivio and Lauren Tominelli

Dana Yawn, who provided the event's stage display through her company Party Popper Events, talks with Kenji Trujillo

Kory Lee, Gareth Lloyd-Jones, Val Perez and Chris Keiper chat prior to the event.

Sarasota Chamber Vice President Ed Hill initiates the event.

Sarasota Chamber president Heather Kasten receives recognition for her work from chair Joe Hembree.

Luca Leykin, 9 and Blake Kilroy, 11 of EVO Gymnastics, awed visitors with their gymnastics skills.

author

Ian Swaby

Ian Swaby is the Sarasota neighbors writer for the Observer. Ian is a Florida State University graduate of Editing, Writing, and Media and previously worked in the publishing industry in the Cayman Islands.